BLUE/ Florida West
FHSAA Field Clinic- 3 man PowerPoint
Terminology
• PU/U1/U3
• Rotation: Clockwise movement of the three umpires (or two if a guy
goes out) to cover responsibilities. Only occurs on a batted ball
through the infield
• Slide: “Reverse Rotation”; counter-clock wise movement; U1 initiates
the slide and assumes responsibility for the BR all the way to second
base.
General Theories and Basic Principles
• The 3 man system is designed to keep an umpire in front of and
behind the play as often as possible.
• With two exceptions, the base umpire will only go out on trouble
balls in his coverage area.
• Go out on all catchable or trouble fly balls in coverage area with no runners
on or R3 only
General Theories and Basic Principles
• When an umpire goes out with runners on base, coverage simply
reverts back to the two man system
• Communication is essential both before the pitch and during the play
• More umpires on the field requires more communication as there are many
variables in the 3 man system.
“Working the bag”
• Working the bag is a positioning technique used when a tag attempt
will be made where the throw will be coming into a base.
• Executed by positioning yourself where the base is in a direct line
with the baseball and the umpire
• Keep in mind this is a starting position and a read step or two may
need to be taken depending on where the tag attempt is.
• ONLY utilized when the 3 man system is still in tact and there is back
side and front side coverage.
• Ball, Bag, and umpire all lined up
Starting positions
• “A” and “D” Position: 8-10 feet behind fielder with foot up against foul
line. Adjusting with fielder
• “Shallow A”: Whenever R1 is being held on; 5-6 feet behind first base
with shoulders square the front slope of mound; Hands on Knees Set
• “Deep B”: Heels 1-3 feet off G/D line with shoulders square to plate;
approximately 15 feet away from second base.
• “C”: Third base side of middle infield; 50/50 between mound and
second base; square to plate
Miscellaneous
• Fair/Foul- PU responsible for F/F up to front edge of the bag
• Check Swings- Always send to “open” umpire (RHB- U1; LHB-U3)
• U1 does not need to pivot when entering infield
• Post Pitch Read Step: With U1 or U3 on the line and runners there.
• Once ball is not hit, take one to two steps down the line towards the bag in
foul territory to prepare for back pick from catcher.
No Runners on
R3 ONLY
R1 ONLY
R1 and R3
R1 and R2
Bases Loaded
R2 and R3
R2 and R3
2 OUTS
R2 ONLY
R2 ONLY
2 OUTS
Questions?
Tomorrow:
•Sarasota Babe Ruth starting at 8am